CDOT: Interstate 70 open in both directions in Glenwood Canyon

Colorado Department of Transportation

March 7, 11:32 a.m. – Statewide — Eastbound Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon has reopened after a safety closure, due to a rockslide at mile point 123.5. The slide came down onto the outside westbound lane. All lanes were closed as a safety precaution. One lane of westbound I-70 is anticipated to reopen shortly. CDOT’s Geohazards team is en route to further assess the slope above the roadway. 

The slide took place at approximately 10 a.m. this morning, and is located between Grizzly Creek (exit 121) and Hanging Lake (exit 125). The slide is located east of Glenwood Springs. See below for more photos. The slide is mostly rock. Crews immediately began clearing the slide with prepositioned equipment and are making good progress on clearing the roadway. CDOT anticipates crews will be able to quickly clear the slide from the roadway. An alternate route is not recommended at this time.

Rockslide on westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon on March 7, 2024.
Rockslide on westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon on March 7, 2024.
Rockslide on westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon on March 7, 2024.

March 7, 2024, 11:36 a.m. – Interstate 70 has reopened to traffic in both directions.

March 7, 2024, 10:37 a.m. – Interstate 70 eastbound/westbound is closed due to a rockslide that occurred between exit 123 – Shoshone and Exit 125 – Hanging Lake. Road closed between MM 116 (Glenwood Springs) and MM 133 (Dotsero) expect delays

CDOT: Interstate 70 open in both directions in Glenwood Canyon

I-70 reopened in South Canyon after crash

Glenwood Springs Police Department

I-70 through Glenwood Springs is completely open now. The collision scene has been cleared. Travel cautiously in the current severe weather conditions.

Colorado Department of Transportation

12-8-23, 11:39 a.m. – At Exit 114: West Glenwood (Glenwood Springs) at Mile Point 114.2. Road closed expect delays due to a crash. Slower speeds are advised.

Comment: Eastbound traffic being diverted around crash using the Exit 114 off-ramp and on-ramp.

12-8-23, 10:49 a.m. – Interstate 70 is closed in both directions in South Canyon between Exit 114: West Glenwood and Exit 111: South Canyon (Glenwood Springs) at Mile Point 114. Road closed expect delays due to a crash. Slower speeds are advised.

I-70 reopened in South Canyon after crash

Snow Pool: sign up for backcountry avalanche conditions

Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Avalanche Research Program of Simon Fraser University in Canada are building SNOW POOL, a community of backcountry users interested in providing feedback about their backcountry experiences and willing to review, share feedback, and provide suggestions about how to make avalanche safety information work better for everybody.

Who should sign up?

You do not have to live in Colorado or have any avalanche knowledge to participate. We are interested in the perspectives of all types of users with all levels of experience. We are especially interested in hearing from individuals who are just starting their backcountry adventures or only occasionally go into the backcountry.

What can participants expect?

Individuals who sign up will receive regular emails from CAIC and SFU to participate in short online user surveys and the opportunity to provide feedback on CAIC products and priorities. This is an opportunity to be part of a community that contributes to the development of improved avalanche risk communication, learn about CAIC research projects, and be eligible for incentive programs or entered into raffles hosted by some of our partners.

More information and sign up link are available online.

Snow Pool: sign up for backcountry avalanche conditions

Pike Ridge Fire update, Sept. 10

Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 246 acres
Containment: 65%
Threatened structures: 1 Historical Homestead
Current status: Increased showers expected over the fire area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has command of this fire. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 246 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. Less than 60 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.
Planned actions: The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team will transition command of the Pike Ridge Fire back to Northwest District Fire on Monday, 9/11. Fire resources continue to build direct fire line when targets of suppression opportunity are possible. Mop up of the fire perimeter is ongoing. Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead is complete. Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. Resources are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The use of mechanical equipment has assisted this process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.
Closures: No closures.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to www.airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire update, Sept. 10

Pike Ridge Fire update 8/30

Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Contact: Patrick Kieran, Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 242 acres.
Containment: 0%
Threatened structures: 1 historical homestead
Current status: Weather conditions are drying out and wind gusts of 25 mph are anticipated for Wednesday afternoon. The next round of Monsoon moisture is Friday through the weekend. Some smoke can be seen in the area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has completed Transfer of Command on Tuesday, 08/29. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 242 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. There are now over 120 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.

Planned actions: Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead are complete. Suppression actions are ongoing. The Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. They are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The assistance of a mechanical masticator has sped up the process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.

Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands, and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and national smoke report.

Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire update 8/30

GarCo911: I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon due to flash flood warning

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

Aug. 27, 2023, 12:39 a.m. – Interstate 70 open between mile markers 116 and 133 in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero.

Aug. 26, 2023, 5:22 p.m. – I-70 is closed between mile markers 116-133, in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.

GarCo911: I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon due to flash flood warning

Pike Ridge Fire north of Loma at 231 acres

Northwest Colorado Interagency Fire

Pike Ridge Fire burns roughly 28 miles north of Loma, Colo.
Pike Ridge Fire roughly 28 miles north of Loma, Colo.

Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 231 acres
Containment: 0% Threatened structures: 0
Current status: The Pike Ridge Fire has grown the past few days due to increased winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain. Due to the fire growth, increased fire complexity, logistical support needs, and public safety the White River Field Office in the Northwest District ordered the White River Type 3 Interagency Management Team. The White River IMT-3 assumed command of the Pike Ridge fire on 08/22/2023 at 06:00 a.m. Current size is 231 acres, with an estimated 85 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead. Remnants of Tropical Storm Harold is expected to arrive as early as Thursday, additional Monsoon moisture is expected through the weekend. An anticipated drying trend could be established early next week.

Planned actions: Transfer of Command to White River IMT-3 was completed, fire resources are engaged on the North Flank securing fire line, structure protection measures are in place. Suppression actions are ongoing. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communication, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations and closures: No evacuations. Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.

Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

Pike Ridge Fire closure map.
Pike Ridge Fire closure map.
Pike Ridge Fire north of Loma at 231 acres

Spring Creek Fire update – July 18

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit

The Spring Creek near Parachute, CO.
The Spring Creek near Parachute, CO.

The Spring Creek Fire transitioned from a Type 3 to a Type 4 Incident early yesterday morning. We will continue to post updates to this page as new information becomes available. Smoke from interior fire activity is expected to be visible for weeks to come.

The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 Team wants to thank the community for their continued support and hospitality. Thank you to all the firefighters, cooperators, and overhead staff for their help on this incident.

If you are interested in fire activity in the area, follow the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit for live updates on new starts.

Spring Creek Fire update – July 18